Tail Guard: Protection for the Dock and Tail Hair on the Road
A well protected tail comes out of the trailer without rubbed hair or sore patches. Here you will find tail guards for travelling and for the stable.
Kerbl Self-Adhesive Bandage EquiLastic Horse 10cm, Elastic Support Wrap, green
Regular price: €2.19
Kerbl Self-Adhesive Bandage EquiLastic Horse 10cm, Elastic Support Wrap, black
Regular price: €2.19
Kerbl Self-Adhesive Bandage EquiLastic Horse 10cm, Elastic Support Wrap, blue
Regular price: €2.19
Kerbl Self-Adhesive Bandage EquiLastic Horse 10cm, Elastic Support Wrap, lilac
Regular price: €2.19
Kerbl Self-Adhesive Bandage EquiLastic Horse 10cm, Elastic Support Wrap, red
Regular price: €2.19
Kerbl Self-Adhesive Bandage EquiLastic Horse 10cm, Elastic Support Wrap, white
Variants from €2.19
Regular price: €2.75 %
BUSSE Tail Guard CLEAN, Soft Protective Bag for Horse Tails, grey
Sale price: €17.77 Regular price: €17.90 (0.73% saved)
Tail Guard: arrive in one piece, tail included
Many horses lean their hindquarters against the ramp or the breeching bar during the journey. As they do, the dock rubs constantly against the material, hairs break off and the skin can become sore. A tail guard is wrapped around the dock and reliably protects it from friction. It also helps in the stable if a horse likes to rub against the wall or the stable door, at least until the cause has been found.
Material and attachment
Most tail guards consist of a padded cover with Velcro fastenings that adapt to the dock. A ring or loop connects the guard to the surcingle or travel rug so that it does not slip down. Models with reflective strips are easy to see when loading in the dark. Easy to wipe materials stay clean even after dusty journeys. Alternatively, the dock can be loosely wrapped with a self-adhesive bandage.
Fitting it correctly
Lift the tail slightly and position the guard as high up on the top of the tail as possible. Close the fastenings so that it sits well without constricting. Smooth the hair underneath downwards. Take the guard off after the journey so the skin can breathe. If you leave it on too long or too tight, circulation can suffer, so a quick check during longer breaks is worthwhile.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to attach the tail guard to the rug?
It is a good idea, because otherwise it can slip down as your horse moves. Most models have a loop or a ring for this. Without a rug, you can also secure it to a travel roller if you have one.
Tail guard or tail bandage, which is better?
A tail guard is quicker to put on and protects a larger area. A bandage sits snugly but has to be wrapped loosely so that it does not constrict. For most owners the tail guard is the more practical solution.
My horse also rubs its tail in the field. Will a guard help?
In the short term it can protect the tail hair. Constant rubbing often has a cause such as itching, worms or skin problems, though. Have your vet look into it.
A well protected tail on the road
When travelling in the trailer, your horse likes to lean against the back wall or the breeching bar to keep its balance. As it does, the tail rubs constantly against the material and the hair becomes thin or breaks off. A tail guard wraps around the dock with padding and prevents skin and tail hair from getting damaged. Velcro fastenings are quick to adjust, and a ring or loop connects the guard to the rug or surcingle so it does not slip down. Reflective models are easy to see when loading in the dark. A self-adhesive bandage is an alternative that you wrap loosely around the dock. After the journey, take the protection off so the skin can breathe. That way the tail arrives clean and undamaged, ready for the show ring, the clinic or the new stable.